Prednisone & odd behavior

Brentsladyon422 · June 2014

What's your experience with your little one taking prednisone? My little guy (17 mos today) was prescribed it earlier this week for croup. While it helped the croup, I feel like it's given him a new personality.

He can be playing and being his normal very happy, easygoing self, and the next minute he's throwing himself on the floor, kicking, yelling, screaming. He's also grabbing his knees like they hurt. I also read that muscle aches are common side effects. It's breaking my heart and driving me crazy. I've read about the so-called roid rage, and it sounds like what he's going through, but wanted to post here. Quite frankly, I'm scared, sad & missing my sweet little boy. In your experience, how long did this last?

amie444 · June 2014

It will go away as soon as he stop the steroid. It is a wonderful but horrible drug. Hang in there it will be over soon

PhieryBFly · June 2014

It can actually take quite awhile for the side effects to subside. Prednisone is nasty stuff.

carriesu2003 · June 2014

I'm not a doctor or a nurse but I had to take predisone for reoccurring sinus infections. I never experienced any side effects and my ent told me that in short doses it doesn't cause any of the scary stuff that we normally associate with steroids. That would only happen after prolonged or frequent use.

vvvvvfee · June 2014

agree with PPs- DS was on it for a few days over the winter for wheezing. it made him CRAZY hyper. it should subside soon after you're done.

MrsBigTime · June 2014

carriesu2003 said:

I'm not a doctor or a nurse but I had to take predisone for reoccurring sinus infections. I never experienced any side effects and my ent told me that in short doses it doesn't cause any of the scary stuff that we normally associate with steroids. That would only happen after prolonged or frequent use.

I am a nurse and this isn't always true. Where it's not super "normal", "rhoid rage" is a very real, and not uncommon side effect. I've had perfectly sweet little toddlers run screaming down the hall after just one dose. As with anything, you have to weigh the risk vs. benefits. Your sweet baby will come back, after he is off the medications and when he is back to feeling well. Lots of children also feel yucky and thus act out when they are feeling icky. Have you tried Tylenol? If you think he's uncomfortable, try giving a dose and see if it makes any difference. You can also try warm baths (get in there with him if he's feeling clingy) to help ease muscle soreness, too.

I'm sorry you are dealing with this. Having a miserable toddler is awful - hang in there, mama!